Welcome to the last month of summer, as we try to make plans for the upcoming school year.
My prayers are with each family and every student as the new school year draws closer, and we make decisions about the best choices for learning, gathering, interacting, and sharing, all in these strange days of pandemic.
At St Paul's, our new school year will begin on Sunday, September 13 - virtually, still. Our weekly and biweekly email lessons for children, youth, and anyone interested will continue. We will also expand our offerings to include occasional Zoom meetups (how exciting to see your faces and hear your voices!) and other ways to be together, safely.
Please keep me and our teachers in your prayers, as we remember you in ours, always! Peace be with you!
You're invited to watch St Paul's church services any time that works for you: click on our YouTube channel to select the service you're interested in "attending" - at your convenience!
YOUTH, grades 10-12!
Join DYC & make a difference!
NOW! - The Diocese of Massachusetts is expanding the Diocesan Youth Council (DYC). New: there are three (or could be more!) separate DYC groups, each part of a collective group meeting several times a year.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting NOW. The first meeting (by Zoom or in person) is in mid-October. Reach out to Youth Missioner H. Mark Smith with ideas, questions, or suggestions for other leadership roles for young people in our Church.
Join our NEW anti-racism book club, open to all ages! Our teens are our leaders, with Fr Jarred and Linda as moderators. Click here to take part!
We'll be reading and sharing our thoughts, and moving into action, based on this book (written for ages 10-14 but excellent for everyone):
Read an NPR interview with the author: click here.
Here, the author offers her thoughts on a question our own parishioner Charlie Ives mentions in this report about his experience attending a recent Diocesan teen meeting with the bishops. Read Charlie's words:
"Recently Deacon H. Mark Smith (Diocesan Youth Missioner) led a zoom call where youth were able to discuss race and have any questions that we had answered.
There was a great mix of POC (people of color) and non-POC. It was a place where youth were allowed to express themselves and feel heard when so many times we feel the opposite way. Both youth leaders and adult leaders, including Bishops Alan Gates and Gayle Harris, were able to answer questions and guide us in what we should do to combat racism.
For example, someone asked what was the best thing to do when someone we love or care about makes a racist comment. The leaders responded telling us to be kind and respectful and tell our view of how their comment can be seen as racist.
We split off into groups as well to discuss the issues and talk about what we as youth can do, such as going to protests, signing petitions, and donating money if we can.
It was a great experience that taught me a lot about race issues in America and what we can do about them."
Thank you, Charlie Ives! And thank you to each of our teens and others who are taking action for justice.
CONFIRMATION is POSTPONED - no details yet but we'll keep you posted as we learn more!
Hello, friends! - I'm eager to hear from you!
I hope this summer has brought some times of fun as we wade through the days of this pandemic. How are you?
Offering my prayers for your well-being, peace, and joy! - Linda
Our SPC Family mission: Christian learning & growth, challenges, support!
